In an interview with Andrew Marr for the BBC's Sunday AM programme the Chancellor said he had heard rumours but "not seen any letters".

He went on: "There were rumours of course about all sorts of things happening during the course of that week. If anybody had asked me about the contents of that letter I would have said it was completely ill-advised.

"And the reason is this. Some people want to tell Tony Blair when he should finally make the decision that he has said he will make about when he wishes to go.

"I've always said to Tony - and I think this should be clear, and it was made clear on many occasions when I've talked to Tony - the

decision is for him, it should be for him.

"I will support him in the decision he makes, I know he will make it in the interests of the party but also, most importantly in the interests of the country."

Mr Brown also insisted he would "welcome" other MPs standing against him in the Labour leadership election after Mr Blair stands down.

He said: "They should be free to put both their views forward and to stand if that is what they want to do...

"I think it's good for the party if there's an election. I've got no difficulty and certainly there's no personal issues about other people standing."